WOW! What an amazing weekend! I will have a lot more to post up about this incredible experience, but for now, here is a fantastic writeup from Jason Castleton of the Wasatch Cruisers! Thanks SO much!!!!
The 2026 Cruise Moab pre-run brought together an outstanding group of trail leaders, tail gunners, and volunteers from across multiple Land Cruiser communities, including Rising Sun, Wasatch Cruisers, and Montana’s 406 Club. (Timmbuck2 added that there were also a few people from the Bookcliff Cruisers also) The event was especially well represented by Wasatch Cruisers, with a strong crew including @TheYETI David Fowers and Sadie, @Aberickson Adam Erickson and crew, @Pendleton Matt Fenton with Brook Young, @ChungCamo60 Justin Chung, @DirtyReed Reed Barnhill, @RockRacer Tobin Gardner, @GingerBreadMan Andrew Ford, @crunchy.taco.supreme Rob Holt, @4wheelingpedro Pedro Martin, and @Maxx Roy West and his daughter Carolyn, and myself @castletoncruisers
A huge thank you goes out to @timmbuck2 Tim Buchanan, Daniel Markofsky, Shawn Cardinal, and @crunchy.taco.supreme Rob Holt for organizing and leading the training portion of the weekend. Their experience and leadership set the tone for a highly productive and valuable few days. HUGE shoutout to @Aberickson for bringing the soap markers to help get names written on the front and back windshields. I am sure those will be welcome additions to the trail leader packet moving forward.
Trail Runs & Coverage
Thursday:
Training & Purpose
Each day began with a one-hour morning discussion around the campfire and concluded with evening briefings after trail runs. These sessions provided a forum for reviewing trail conditions, sharing lessons learned, and building consistency across leadership teams.
The level of instruction throughout the weekend was exceptional. With combined experience easily reaching into the triple digits, the knowledge shared—from spotting techniques to group management—was invaluable for both new and seasoned leaders.
Vehicles & Conditions
The diversity of rigs on the trail reflected the strength of the community, including:
Trail Challenges & Teamwork
As expected with technical terrain, a few mechanical challenges arose, including:
Community & Camaraderie
One of the most rewarding aspects of Cruise Moab is the people. Many arrive not knowing everyone, but over the course of a few days—spotting obstacles, sharing lines, and overcoming challenges together—strong friendships are built.
There’s something unique about the bond formed on the trail. It’s hard to fully describe, but it’s rooted in trust, teamwork, and a shared passion for exploration.
Final Thoughts
Moab continues to be an incredible place—offering world-class terrain that challenges both drivers and vehicles while rewarding them with unforgettable experiences. The pre-run is more than preparation; it’s a reminder of why this community is so strong.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of a group that shows up ready to help each other succeed, both on and off the trail.
All photos are available here via Dropbox.
The 2026 Cruise Moab pre-run brought together an outstanding group of trail leaders, tail gunners, and volunteers from across multiple Land Cruiser communities, including Rising Sun, Wasatch Cruisers, and Montana’s 406 Club. (Timmbuck2 added that there were also a few people from the Bookcliff Cruisers also) The event was especially well represented by Wasatch Cruisers, with a strong crew including @TheYETI David Fowers and Sadie, @Aberickson Adam Erickson and crew, @Pendleton Matt Fenton with Brook Young, @ChungCamo60 Justin Chung, @DirtyReed Reed Barnhill, @RockRacer Tobin Gardner, @GingerBreadMan Andrew Ford, @crunchy.taco.supreme Rob Holt, @4wheelingpedro Pedro Martin, and @Maxx Roy West and his daughter Carolyn, and myself @castletoncruisers
A huge thank you goes out to @timmbuck2 Tim Buchanan, Daniel Markofsky, Shawn Cardinal, and @crunchy.taco.supreme Rob Holt for organizing and leading the training portion of the weekend. Their experience and leadership set the tone for a highly productive and valuable few days. HUGE shoutout to @Aberickson for bringing the soap markers to help get names written on the front and back windshields. I am sure those will be welcome additions to the trail leader packet moving forward.
Trail Runs & Coverage
Thursday:
- 3D (Trail Leader 101 with @timmbuck2 leading)
- Flat Iron Mesa (@Inukshuk leading with David Fowers and others)
- Seven Mile Rim (@CardinalFJ60)
- Poison Spider (Roy West and @ferretlegger)
- Deadman Springs (Trail Leader 101 with @timmbuck2 leading)
- Crystal Geyser exploratory route with White Wash Dunes (@CardinalFJ60)
- Metal Masher (@Inukshuk @crunchy.taco.supreme @ferretlegger Roy West)
- Fins & Things (Seeing photoshoots for Easter Jeep Safari) (@crunchy.taco.supreme)
- Deadman Springs (@CardinalFJ60)
- Dome Plateau I don't remember who did this one!
- Hell’s Revenge (exit exploration) @Inukshuk
Training & Purpose
Each day began with a one-hour morning discussion around the campfire and concluded with evening briefings after trail runs. These sessions provided a forum for reviewing trail conditions, sharing lessons learned, and building consistency across leadership teams.
The level of instruction throughout the weekend was exceptional. With combined experience easily reaching into the triple digits, the knowledge shared—from spotting techniques to group management—was invaluable for both new and seasoned leaders.
Vehicles & Conditions
The diversity of rigs on the trail reflected the strength of the community, including:
- Tacomas
- 4Runners
- FJCruisers
- 40, 60, 70, 80, 100, and 200 Series Land Cruisers
Trail Challenges & Teamwork
As expected with technical terrain, a few mechanical challenges arose, including:
- Crushed and cut exhaust pipes
- Broken sway bars
- Intermittent differential warning lights (200 erggh)
- A stubborn fuel pump issue that held on until the trip home in a Sprinter Van
Community & Camaraderie
One of the most rewarding aspects of Cruise Moab is the people. Many arrive not knowing everyone, but over the course of a few days—spotting obstacles, sharing lines, and overcoming challenges together—strong friendships are built.
There’s something unique about the bond formed on the trail. It’s hard to fully describe, but it’s rooted in trust, teamwork, and a shared passion for exploration.
Final Thoughts
Moab continues to be an incredible place—offering world-class terrain that challenges both drivers and vehicles while rewarding them with unforgettable experiences. The pre-run is more than preparation; it’s a reminder of why this community is so strong.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of a group that shows up ready to help each other succeed, both on and off the trail.
All photos are available here via Dropbox.
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